DeAndre Jordan on Sunday adamantly rebuffed the notion that former Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson parted ways with the franchise because of a rift with the team's new stars, specifically Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.
"Yeah, I'm close to Kyrie, but Wilson (Chandler) is a new player, Garrett Temple's a new player," Jordan said, according to ESPN. "We're all new players, so if you're going to say 'new players,' put it on all eight of the new players.
"I think whatever you're saying and whatever the reports are, are bullshit."
Though the Nets' biggest stars may not have directly pushed for Atkinson's departure, the reports that surfaced in the aftermath of his exit Saturday suggest they at least factored into his decision. The split was announced as a mutual one, but Atkinson reportedly pushed to leave. He was apparently not eager to coach both Irving and Durant based on what he saw this season.
The move brought an end to Atkinson's stint in Brooklyn after three full seasons and shocked several current and former Nets players. Jordan said he understands some of his teammates were fond of playing for the 52-year-old, but he pointed out such developments are hardly unusual in the NBA.
"The guys who had been here love him, so I'm sure it's tough for them," he said. "At the end of the day, this is a business; coaches get fired, players get cut, get traded, whatever it is."
Brooklyn named assistant Jacque Vaughn as interim head coach following Atkinson's departure. On Sunday, Vaughn gave Jordan just his fifth start this season over traditional option Jarrett Allen. Jordan recorded 11 points and 15 rebounds as the Nets beat the Chicago Bulls 110-107.
